“Rust Never Sleeps” – Canadiens 6, Hurricanes 2
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 21: Phillip Danault #24 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring a goal on Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 21, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Carolina Hurricanes dropped their first 2026 postseason game in grand fashion by a score of 6-2 to the Montreal Canadiens. With the loss, they fall behind 1-0 after game one of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Canes had a record 11 day break between games and many wondered if that pause would cause some rust as they tried to work themselves back into game shape. The obvious answer was yes, although the Canes would not necessarily admit it. While it seemed they had good energy, perhaps they were slow mentally.
After Seth Jarvis scored just 33 seconds into the game, the Habs would answer four straight times to make the score 4-1 before the end of the first period. Each goal was due to some breakdown or deficiency on the home team’s part. The Canes seemed to be skating in mud and were too often a step behind the speedy Montreal team in that period.
Captain Jordan Staal indicated that his team was not prepared. “We were just not aware of them obviously. Different (guys), different style, different pace.
Just awareness, really. The breakaways that we gave up right off the bat. Obviously, we need to find ways to defend better.